Institute of Technology or Polytechnic
Otago PolytechnicBachelor of Construction (Quantity Surveying)
This course is available
On-Campus
Level of Study
Bachelor's Degree
Duration
3 years
Next start date
Expected Oct 2026
Summary
About the programmeTake a leading role in the construction industry. You'll be in high demand as a construction professional and have the technical, work-ready skills to price and manage construction projects and challenge the status quo to improve processes and drive efficiencies.
You'll have a range of career opportunities. You can work as a project manager, quantity surveyor, estimator or contract administrator.
Graduates can also join professional bodies such as the New Zealand Institute of Quantity Surveying (NZIQS). With experience, you may become a senior project manager, site manager or quantity surveyor, a commercial or divisional manager, or operate your own consultancy.
With further study, you could specialise in the field of construction law and dispute resolution. What you'll learn budgeting and financial administration of construction projects, including whole life-cycle costing law, contracts and contractual risk analysis planning and managing of construction projects site logistics and project management (managing time, costs, quality and client satisfaction) people management and negotiation skills, and construction business management.
You'll study this programme through a blended learning delivery. This includes face-to-face teaching, online study, work experience and student-managed learning.
The first two years are common with the New Zealand Diploma in Construction (Quantity Surveying). Years one and two require attendance at weekly classes in Dunedin.
This will give you the technical skills to work as a quantity surveyor. Third-year courses may be studied face-to-face or remotely online from anywhere (subject to international visa restrictions).
Either full-time over one year, or part-time over two years. Third year courses focus on skills in project management and adding value through technology, resolving contract issues outside adjudication or arbitration, land development feasibility, and research.
Third-year research project In the third year of this programme, you will undertake a 'capstone' course called 'Research Project'. Here you will explore a unique topic aimed at enhancing products, processes or practices within the construction industry.
Through this, you will develop essential research skills by: conducting in-depth literature reviews crafting research proposals defining methodologies gathering data through surveys or interviews You will then analyse your findings and present insightful discussions on key outcomes. All research projects are guided by experienced academic supervisors who hold doctoral qualifications from leading international universities, ensuring you receive high-quality mentoring throughout your research journey.
Studying part-timeWe understand that studying full-time isn't always possible. You can study this programme part-time, over six to seven years.
Delivery locations- Dunedin
- Auckland
Entry criteria
Academic requirementsFor those under 20 NCEA Level 3 including: 14 credits at Level 3 or above in each of three NZQA approved university entrance subjects, and 10 literacy credits at Level 2 or above, made up of: 5 credits in reading, and 5 credits in writing, and 12 numeracy credits at Level 2 or above, made up of: specified achievement standards available through a range of subjects OR package of three numeracy unit standards (26623, 26626, 26627- all three required).
For those over 20 You must supply evidence of industry experience and/or alternative relevant qualifications.
Provisional entryis possible.
International requirements and equivalenceTo enter Otago Polytechnic's undergraduate certificates, diplomas and degrees, you need to have achieved a secondary school qualification that is equivalent to New Zealand's NCEA levels (National Certificate of Educational Achievement).
This information is available by country on our Equivalent academic entry requirements page.
English Language requirementsIf English is not your first language, you must provide: New Zealand University Entrance OR Overall Academic IELTS 6.0 (academic, no band score lower than 5.5) achieved in one test completed in the last two years, OR Acceptable alternative evidence of the required IELTS (see here for internationally recognised proficiency tests and proficiency outcomes for international students).
If you need to improve your English Language skills, we offer a wide range of English programmes.
Please note: Graduates of the New Zealand Diploma in Construction (Level 6) (Construction Management) (Quantity Surveying) will be credited the courses they have completed up to a maximum of 240 credits.
Don't meet the entry requirements?
If you don't meet the requirements to enter this programme, our bridging programme is the perfect option (this is advertised as the bridging option into our engineering diploma but is a highly suitable pathway into this degree as well).
Alternatively, you could complete the New Zealand Certificate in Construction Trade Skills (Level 3) (Carpentry).
Got a diploma and already working in the industry?
If you already hold a diploma in Quantity Surveying or Construction Management, you could get credit recognition toward the third year of this degree and study part-time to complete it alongside your employment from anywhere in New Zealand.
The remaining degree courses can be studied through a combination of online learning and by attending contact courses in Dunedin over a two-to-three year duration.
Recognised diplomas Otago Polytechnic New Zealand Diploma in Construction (Quantity Surveying): you can get direct entry to Year 3 of the Bachelor of Construction (Quantity Surveying).
Diploma in Quantity Surveying or Construction Management from any other NZ institution: you can enter Year 3 of the Bachelor of Construction (Quantity Surveying), but you'll have to do up to four Year 1 and 2 courses.
This degree is accredited by the New Zealand Institute of Quantity Surveyors and will make you eligible for Graduate Membership status.
Want your existing skills recognised?
If you have extensive knowledge and skills due to practical experience in this area, please ask us about our recognition of prior learning process.
You may have already gained credits towards this qualification and could achieve it in a shorter timeframe.
Please email info@op.ac.nz or call 0800 762 786.
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